As musicians, we often get caught up in the technicalities of playing an instrument or writing a song. But have you ever stopped to listen to the music inside your head? That’s where the concept of the mind’s ear comes in. The mind’s ear is the part of our brain that has the power to pick up patterns in music and generate music of our own. In this blog, we’ll explore how to listen to and trust your inner musical voice.
1. Improvise and See What Sounds Good
One of the best ways to tap into your mind’s ear is to sit down with your primary instrument, whether it’s a guitar, piano, or even your own voice, and just start improvising. Don’t think too much about what you’re playing, just let the music flow and see what sounds good to you. This is a great way to start connecting with your musical intuition.
2. Listen for What Sounds Good
As you’re improvising, pay attention to what the mind’s ear is telling you. Sometimes, your inner voice will tell you that a particular note or chord sounds good. Don’t be afraid to go off of that and see where it takes you. Trusting your intuition can lead to some truly creative and unique music.
3. Follow Your Mind’s Ear
Sometimes, the mind’s ear will start telling you what should come next in your melody or chord progression. Pay attention to these cues and try to find the notes or chords that your mind’s ear is suggesting. This can help you write more efficiently and create melodies that feel like they were meant to be.
4. Follow the Rhythm
The mind’s ear can also pick up on the tempo and rhythm of a song. If you find yourself tapping your foot or nodding your head to a certain rhythm, try to incorporate it into your playing or writing. Sometimes, following the rhythm can help you find the perfect groove for your song.
5. Train Your Mind’s Ear
Like any other part of your musicianship, your mind’s ear can be trained and developed over time. The more you write and practice, the more powerful your inner musical voice will become. Take time to listen to different types of music and genres, and try to identify what you like about them. This will help you develop your own unique style and sound.
Listening to and trusting the mind’s ear can be a great way to tap into your creativity and write music that feels true to your musical voice. By improvising, listening for what sounds good, following your inner cues, and training your mind’s ear, you can develop a stronger connection to your music and create truly unique and authentic works of art.
